"Big Bang" (2010 Q1)

Featured beneficiary in the "BIG BANG" category for first quarter 2010:

SMART RECOVERY

Charity Navigator rating: N/A

Annual budget: $232,000

SMART Recovery® provides free, science-based, self-empowering support groups for individuals desiring to abstain from any substance or activity addiction. We operate in ten countries, and provide over 500 weekly face-to-face meetings, as well as daily online meetings, message boards and a 24/7 chat room.

We asked our volunteers why someone visiting Foundation Beyond Belief might choose to donate to SMART Recovery. They said:

SMART Recovery…

...offers a secular and empirical alternative to the spiritual approach of the 12 steps (Alcoholics Anonymous, known as AA, and other 12 step groups such as Narcotics Anonymous, Cocaine Anonymous, etc.). Collectively 12-step groups hold well over 100,000 weekly meetings worldwide, and monopolize the discussion about recovery.

…operates on a very limited budget...could reach more people with more resources...most individuals who could use SMART Recovery have not heard of it.

…struggles against discrimination…organizations that provide free meeting space or a free listing to AA will not support SMART Recovery…the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, despite years of requests, will not list SMART Recovery (www.niaaa.nih.gov, click on “resources,” then “related websites”) but lists AA, despite numerous court rulings that AA is religious.

…supports individuals in exercising their capacity to become more fulfilled human beings.

…exemplifies humanistic generosity, as we give freely of our time and resources for the benefit of individuals and society.

…continues to grow as we connect with individuals seeking an alternative to traditional powerlessness recovery.

...continues to evolve its program of recovery with input from the professional community and our International Advisory Council, which includes many of the world's leading addiction researchers.

There is overwhelming agreement in the research community that no single treatment or recovery approach is appropriate for all individuals. There should be many recognized paths to recovery. Yet one recovery path based on faith in a higher power is the only option generally known.

Many individuals who are not appropriate for AA end up there without realizing they have choices. Many of these individuals leave AA quickly, not knowing where else to turn. A rapid increase of SMART Recovery meetings would be a major boost for public health. Increasing awareness of the “many paths to recovery” principle and the SMART Recovery alternative would enrich many lives and save many lives.

We invite you to learn more about the SMART Recovery 4-Point Program® by visiting www.smartrecovery.org. And we thank you for your support!